You will need computer mapping packages that can import the ESRI ArcInfo EXPORT format (files with .e00 extension) such as ESRI ArcInfo, ArcEditor, ArcView, or MapInfo. Additionally, you can use ESRI's free GIS Data Viewer, ArcExplorer, to view GeoTiff and MrSID images and use the Import Utility to import the EXPORT format files so they can be viewed by ArcExplorer. Adobe Illustrator also has a third party plug-in
MAPublisher by Avenza that is capable of incorporating GIS data. GeoExpress View is desktop viewer from Lizardtech that will allow you to view and move around image data. The TatukGIS Viewer is a free viewer available from TatukGIS.

4. I downloaded some data and when I imported the export file I got lines instead of polygons?

If the file you downloaded should be a polygon layer and is displaying as a line coverage the export file may have been truncated and did not completely download. You will need to download the export file again from the GIS Data Clearinghouse. To determine this you will need to compare the file size of the downloaded export file to the export file located on the Clearinghouse. If the downloaded export file is smaller, it did not finish downloading from the Clearinghouse.

5. I downloaded some imagery and the tiles draw on top of each other?

Verify that the files downloaded did not have a file extension added to them at the end of ".txt". If they do, remove the file extension ".txt" from the file names.

6. Can I get a hard copy of a map?

DNR provides digital NAPP and Topo maps that can be downloaded from the DNR GIS Data Clearinghouse. Users will need software that is compatible to view ESRI Arc/INFO coverages, shapefiles, MrSID compressed data files. A free MrSID reader can be downloaded from LizardTech, Inc. at www.lizardtech.com.

Some products and services can be provided from alternative services from:

Some application may not be compatible with the ".aux" and ".sid.xml" files associated with the imagery ".sid". You may need to download the associated world file as well ".sdw" for the imagery to view correctly in the software package being used to view the imagery. Also verify the format your software is compatible with. Imagery formats currently available on the GIS Data Warehouse: tiff and MrSID.

8. How do I convert a DEM to raster?

ESRI ArcGIS users can use the 'DEM to Raster' tool to convert the downloaded DEM from the GIS Data Clearinghouse to a raster.

If you have problems with this tool, verify that the downloaded DEM file does not have a file extension of ".txt" added to it during the downloading process. If it does, remove the file extension ".txt" from the dem file name. (Example: charl90dem.dem.txt --> charl90dem.dem)

Users should be aware that no space holders can be in the folder name for either the "Input USGS DEM file" path name or the "Output raster" path name for the 'DEM to Raster' tool to work. (Example: C:\Documents and Settings\DEM\charl90dem.dem --> C:\Workspace\DEM\charl90dem.dem)

9. How do I convert an ArcInfo .e00 export file (Interchange file) to a coverage?

ESRI ArcGIS users can use the 'Import from Interchange File...' tool available through the 'ArcView 8x Tools' toolbar in ArcCatalog. Open ArcCatalog, right-click any toolbar to access the Toolbars list. From the list, select the toolbar 'ArcView 8x Tools'. The ArcView 8x Tools toolbar will be added to your ArcCatalog session. From the list, select the 'Import from Interchange File...' option and follow the steps to import the export file.

When naming the output file use 13 characters or less, start with a alphabetic character, and do not use spaces or special characters. To edit the coverage you will need to use ArcInfo workstation. To use other ArcGIS desktop software, you will need to convert the coverage to either a shapefile, personal geodatabase, or SDE layer.

ArcView 3x users can use the 'Import 71' tool. This should be listed with your other ESRI software programs.

For other software programs, please consult your particular software's help to determine compatibility and if you can import Interchange files.

10. When I add the polygon coverage to my GIS project it looks like it is missing data and I can not find the attribute values I was expecting?

A coverage is a vector storage data model for ESRI ArcInfo containing primary and secondary features for a single layer. This can include point, arc, node, route, route system, section, polygon, and region. Additional secondary features of a coverage include tics, links, and annotation. A combination of features is used for a layer.

Additional data may be stored in some of the other features associated with the coverage and you will need to add them to your project. To see what features are available double click the coverage to list all of the feature. A polygon coverage will always have an arc feature. This arc feature may contain the data and attributes you may be expecting.

An example would be the hypsography data. If you add the arc feature of the covarage you will be able to find the contour value. Additional stream data is also available in the hydrography coverage by adding the arc feature of the coverage.

11. I am not able to view the DOQQ 2006 image data in the JPEG2000 format?